Program Director | DYS | Pre Independent Living

Gandara Center•Springfield, MA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Gandara is seeking a Program Director for their Pre-Independent Living program. This role is crucial in ensuring all program services are delivered in accordance with DYS regulations, agency policies, and licensing standards. The Program Director will maintain a safe, structured, therapeutic, and trauma-informed residential environment, overseeing key aspects of youth services from admissions to successful transitions. This includes ensuring youth receive comprehensive support in areas like housing stability, education, employment, behavioral health, financial literacy, transportation, and independent living skill development. The position involves monitoring youth progress, fostering active participation in life skills programming, and establishing collaborative relationships with various external agencies and stakeholders. The role also requires overseeing crisis intervention, promoting positive youth development, and immediately notifying Executive Leadership of any serious incidents or concerns. The Program Director will perform other duties as assigned by Agency Leadership.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of adolescent development, juvenile justice, trauma-informed care, positive youth development, and independent living programming.
Knowledge of Massachusetts Department of Youth Services regulations and contractual requirements.
Strong leadership, supervisory, and organizational skills.
Ability to effectively manage residential operations and multiple priorities.
Demonstrated ability to build collaborative partnerships with DYS, community agencies, schools, employers, landlords, and healthcare providers.
Excellent verbal, written, organizational, and presentation skills.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Ability to analyze program performance and implement quality improvement initiatives.
Ability to effectively manage crises and emergency situations.
Ability to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive services.
Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Public Administration, Education, or a related field required.
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in juvenile justice, residential care, independent living programming, behavioral health, or human services.
Minimum of three years of supervisory or management experience.
Must obtain and maintain all required background clearances, including EEC and DYS suitability requirements.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must meet agency driving standards.
Must complete and maintain all required DYS and agency training certifications.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree preferred.
Experience working with justice-involved adolescents or young adults preferred.
Experience managing residential or transitional living programs preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of DYS policies, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and independent living programming.
Those who are Bilingual (English + Spanish) or Bicultural are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Ensure all program services are delivered in accordance with DYS regulations, agency policies, and licensing standards.
Maintain a safe, structured, therapeutic, and trauma-informed residential environment.
Oversee admissions, Day One orientation, occupancy agreements, individualized service planning, and successful transitions into the program.
Ensure youth receive comprehensive services related to housing stability, education, employment, behavioral health, financial literacy, transportation, and independent living skill development.
Monitor youth progress through regular case reviews, service plan updates, and multidisciplinary team meetings.
Ensure youth actively participate in individualized life skills programming including: Budgeting and money management, Meal planning and food preparation, Grocery shopping and nutrition, Employment readiness, Educational engagement, Community resource utilization, Household management, Transportation skills.
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with DYS representatives, schools, employers, healthcare providers, behavioral health agencies, landlords, and community organizations.
Oversee crisis intervention, emergency response, and after-hours program operations.
Ensure staff utilize trauma-informed, strength-based, and non-coercive interventions.
Promote positive youth development, youth engagement, and individualized goal achievement.
Notify Executive Leadership immediately regarding serious incidents, abuse allegations, PREA concerns, youth safety issues, suspected illegal activity, or situations affecting program operations.
Perform other duties as assigned by Agency Leadership.